Alyssa E. LaTonya V. Phillips

President & CEO
Habitat for Humanity Greenville County, Laurens County

What are you most looking forward to in your new position? 

I’m most excited to serve our community alongside a dedicated team by directly tackling the housing crisis, with the ultimate goal of providing families with safe, affordable homeownership. This role allows collaborative work to foster generational wealth, strengthen our local economy, and fundamentally change life trajectories through the stability of owning a home.

What is the biggest challenge facing your industry right now? 

The most significant challenges we consistently encounter are the interconnected issues of insufficient funding, the struggle of low wages against housing inflation, the challenging housing market, and the increasingly difficult task of land acquisition for affordable development. A key underlying challenge is ensuring the community recognizes the collective benefits of working together on this. 

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? 

My early professional career was in health care, which instilled in me a deep capacity for care and empathy – crucial qualities in understanding the diverse situations of the families we serve at Habitat. Healthcare’s patient-centered and diverse environment taught me to acknowledge and learn from differences, ensuring fair and equitable support, much like our commitment to providing the same level of care to all. The importance of collaboration for optimal outcomes, along with active listening and observation, are lessons directly applicable to our work in building homes and communities. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard? 

The most impactful advice I’ve heard is that while obstacles are guaranteed, it’s how you handle them – the character you demonstrate – that truly defines your success, shapes your leadership, and dictates the respect you receive.

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? 

A few things might surprise people: my diverse professional background, my deep love for family time, my enjoyment of quiet days gardening, and my unwavering dedication to Saturday football in the fall.